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Is this the Audi Q4 crossover?

The Audi TT-based SUV shown here could be the rumored Audi Q4 crossover. Photo by Audi

Audi has released three official sketches of a new TT-inspired crossover concept set to make its debut at the Beijing auto show later this month.

The high-riding crossover, whose details are being kept secret for now, is rumored to preview the upcoming Audi Q4 – Ingolstadt's answer to the likes of the BMW X4 and Porsche Macan.

The new five-door shares design cues with the three-door Allroad Shooting Brake wheeled out at the Detroit auto show back in January, suggesting Audi is well into a series of new sporting crossover-style SUV models that will line up alongside the more practical SUV offerings already on sale today.

Audi TT lines are evident in the angles shown by the Audi Q4 concept teaser expected at the China motor show. Photo by Audi

As with the Allroad Shooting Brake, the appearance of Audi's latest concept is heavily influenced by that of the new third generation TT. At around 173 inches long and 73 inches wide, it is close to the existing Q3 in size.

Audi's design team has provided the new SUV with a number of traditional styling cues that leave little doubt about its origins. Included is a including a prominent six-corner single-frame grille, trapezoid-shaped headlamps with complex LED internal graphics, clamshell style hood, prominent wheel-arch flares, a heavily curved roof line, high waistline and shallow glasshouse.

Inside, the new Audi concept provides seating for four in individual seats – those at the rear appearing to fold flat to extend luggage capacity.

Powering the new Audi is a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain similar to that seen on the Allroad Shooting Brake. It consists of a transversely mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder combustion engine and a pair of electric motors – one integrated into a double-clutch gearbox and another mounted within the rear axle. Together they provide the concept with four-wheel drive capability.

Seating for four in individual buckets is anticipated for the Audi Q4 Beijing concept. Photo by Audi

No official power or torque figures have yet been revealed, though Audi sources suggest they are similar to the 402 hp and 480 lb-ft of the Allroad Shooting Brake. But in a development not seen on Audi's earlier concept, the Beijing-bound crossover features a new inductive-charging system for its lithium-ion battery.

Audi head of research and development Ulrich Hackenburg recently told Autoweek that Audi was pursuing a strategy that would extend its lineup with new crossovers rather than traditional MPVs.

“There is a clear trend towards crossover-style vehicles in nearly every market we are represented. We are well aware of this and intend to take advantage of it,” he said.